New York Penn Station’s Seventh Avenue Concourse was transformed into a summertime oasis today for the premiere of NJ TRANSIT’s 2005 Summer Services.

Travelers got a preview of incredible summertime deals available to them when they ride NJ TRANSIT, as well as details on express train and bus schedules to popular summer destinations. The Concourse was transformed to look more like the Jersey Shore than a commuter train station, as customers were treated to live music, beach games, and great prizes, including passes to Six Flags Great Adventure, Monmouth Park Raceway, and Atlantic City destinations.

"Unquestionably, New Jersey is full of wonderful sights and activities that bring millions of tourists to the state each summer, and the best way to access these attractions is to ride NJ TRANSIT," said Executive Director George D. Warrington.

Express rail service to the Jersey Shore

NJ TRANSIT provides frequent rail service to shore destinations from Hoboken, Newark, Secaucus and New York Penn Station, with more than 40 trains serving shore communities each day. As an added incentive to take the train, NJ TRANSIT will launch weekend express service on June 18 from New York and Newark, which will shave 27 minutes off the standard travel time. The outbound train will depart New York Penn Station at 9:01 a.m. on Saturdays, stop at Newark Penn Station at 9:17 a.m. and express to Long Branch, arriving at 10:08 a.m. Customers may connect at Long Branch for shuttle service to Bay Head. For the return trip, an express train will depart Long Branch on Sundays at 7:43 p.m., arrive in Newark at 8:29 p.m. and arrive New York at 8:50 p.m.

NJ TRANSIT has unveiled a fresh slate of 2005 beach packages, seeking to build on last year’s strong weekend ridership on the North Jersey Coast Line. The line carried more than 22,000 passengers each weekend of the summer, seven percent higher than the previous summer and roughly 30 percent higher than the off-season. By purchasing a beach package, customers receive roundtrip rail tickets and beach admission for one low price— $13 from Hoboken or Newark, and $16.50 from New York, Secaucus, and New Jersey stations along the Main/Bergen and Pascack Valley lines.

Bus service to Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari

Customers seeking more of a thrill are encouraged to check out Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, at Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari. NJ TRANSIT customers can save up to $25.87 off park admission when they purchase a package that includes roundtrip express bus transportation and park admission. Buses depart daily from the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 9:30 a.m. and from Newark Penn Station at 10 a.m.

Right next to Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari, soak up the sun at one of America's best water parks—Six Flags Hurricane Harbor! This tropical paradise offers a million-gallon wave pool, one of the world's largest lazy rivers, nearly 20 water slides and a massive water playground for wet'n wild fun! For more Six Flags information, call (732) 928-1821 or visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure.

Pony Express rail service to Monmouth Park Racetrack

Monmouth Park Racetrack is the shore’s greatest stretch, and NJ TRANSIT’s Pony Express is the best way to get there. The popular train returns this year with an extra five weeks of service, operating Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from May 14 through September 25 to coincide with the horse racing season. The train arrives in plenty of time for the first race and daily double, and departs 15 minutes after the last race listed in the program. Best of all, Pony Express riders get free Grandstand Admission to the Park. An adult roundtrip ticket from Hoboken or Newark is just $10.50 ($14.75 from New York). For more information, customers may visit

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 779,200 daily trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 162 rail stations, 52 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.